THE New Year is set to be an exciting time for the city as huge regeneration projects change Bury.
From the multi-million dollar improvements to Bury Market, a new high school, downtown redevelopment and housing in Radcliffe, to planned changes in the Ramsbottom and Prestwich centers, we take a look at the projects planned and what they will look like.
Bury Rain Mkt Flexi Hall
Buried market
Bury’s famous market is set to see a “generational boost” after budgeting £ 20million in investment last October.
The historic attraction was awarded the maximum grant from the Government Compensation Fund for the construction of a new Flexi-Hall and the renovation of the surrounding area.
Bury Council said the money would “prosper” for generations to come.
The Flexi-Halle will include a large, state-of-the-art, climate-neutral, multifunctional event space that can support market stalls, pop-up trading, live performances and community events.
The development will also include a café-bar, an area for office functions and rooms for the provision of workshops, work spaces or small business start-ups.
The Flexi-Halle is used to supplement the market offer and to expand the variety of market user groups without losing or alienating existing customers.
It will provide space to support food and drink festivals and seasonal events such as Christmas markets.
Market improvement work includes refurbished market kiosks, improved access and service, and a new “sail over” canopy to cover the existing market, which is clearly visible from Angouleme Way and which gives visitors a positive view of the space.
It also addresses repair and maintenance issues, as well as measures to improve the environmental performance of the market through recycling infrastructure and improvements in energy efficiency.
The public area surrounding the marketplace has better links between the marketplace and adjacent infrastructure, including Bury Interchange, the college and the wider city center.
Market access will also be more clearly defined.
Bury Rain Fire Station
Former fire station hotel
There are plans for a new 130-room hotel on the site of the former Bury Fire Station
The site at The Rock was cleared by the fire department when they moved to new headquarters in Chamberhall and the building was demolished in 2020.
The council acquired the site of the former Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue fire station after the move in 2012.
The site occupies a 1-acre site that Bury Council describes as a “prominent gateway site” and “represents a significant development opportunity for the city”.
Ramsbottom
The Ramsbottom City Center Plan includes proposals to reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, improve connections between attractions, solve visitor parking problems and promote business growth.
This includes efforts to have a dedicated space for events and entertainment, as well as measures to help businesses succeed through the creation of a corporate center and offices.
Alderman Eamonn O’Brien, Chairman of the Council, said, “Ramsbottom has grown into an attractive visitor destination boasting the East Lancashire Railway, a quality dining scene, a number of independent retailers, a popular annual program of events and a growing reputation for being one of the most livable Places in the region.
“However, it is not immune to the challenges city centers across the country are facing with the decline of the main drag and the ravages of Covid.
“We need a plan that will allow the city center to adapt to the changes so that Ramsbottom can continue to be an attractive place to visit and a great place to live and work.”
Bury Rain Perst Long
Center of Prestwich Longfield
An ambitious schedule for the redevelopment of the center of Prestwich was set after Bury Council entered into a joint venture with a property developer.
The City Council acquired Longfield Shopping Center in July and is now working on the implementation of the huge project to create residential, work, retail and community space in the heart of the city.
The agency is in a 50:50 partnership with Muse Developments to provide detailed plans for the Longfield Center area.
In a document submitted to Cabinet, the council said the partnership with Muse would “accelerate progress and clear the submission of plans for spring 2022, starting as early as 2023”.
With the acquisition of Longfield Shopping Center, 26 of the 27 units were available to the community.
As part of the joint venture, the municipality will keep the rental income until the development of the center, which is currently fully occupied, begins.
Bury Regen East Lancs Paper Mill
East Lancashire Paper Mill – Radcliffe
For the former East Lancashire Paper Mill, Bury Council is partnering with Homes England to initially create 25 affordable homes to be supplied by Great Places, followed by 400 homes.
The development will be at least 25 percent affordable and is currently being put out to tender.
Future development will be surrounded by parklands and modernized cricket club facilities.
Bury Rain Wheel School
New Radcliffe High School
A long awaited new secondary school for Radcliffe is slated to open in 2022.
In November, the Bury Council agreed to transfer the site – known as Coney Green – to the Department of Education (DfE) and the Star Academy Trust.
Council officials say the decision would “unlock the delivery of a new secondary school for Radcliffe”.
The construction of the school means the demolition of the current swimming and leisure center and the Spring Lane student exchange unit that are currently on the property.
The Star Academy Trust and the DfE are working on a feasibility study for the new school building in anticipation of a planning proposal in 2022.
Radcliffe town center
Far-reaching proposals to reshape the heart of Radcliffe include a new Radcliffe Hub and the creation of new facilities for local businesses and public services.
The program was another that received a £ 20 million increase from the government in October 2021.
The hub project is estimated to total £ 42 million, of which £ 20 million from the Leveling Up Fund and the remainder from Bury Council and outside sources.
The main building of the hub will be the community’s first zero carbon building and will include a leisure center with swimming pool, gym and fitness studios, a new library and competence center, and a common room for meetings and events.
It will also have office space and public service providers that support individuals and families with their health, skills, employment and wellbeing needs.
The market chambers are being renovated on all floors in order to guarantee the preservation of the listed building.
The basement of the market will also be redesigned into a large event room for communal and private events and activities, which will be served by a new, barrier-free elevator.
In addition, new parking facilities will be created and wider public areas will be improved.